Selecting The Right Kitchen Faucet Based On The Mounting Mechanism

Something to think about right at the start, before you even look at a few models and brands, is the mounting mechanism. Every kitchen faucet requires a particular setup and if your sink does not support the exact setup you will have to perform additional tasks. Why bother so much when there are so many choices? Understanding the mounting option of your sink and faucet will help you make an informed selection.

Those who are installing a new faucet and countertop together won’t need to worry about this. You can install a brand new sink, customized to the exact faucet you have selected. However, for an existing kitchen and sink, mounting options make a huge difference.

Understanding The Kitchen Sink

Kitchen countertops and sinks usually have one to five holes that accommodate different components such as spouts, sprayer, handle, soap dispenser and so on. Usually, single handle faucets require one hole while double handle units need three holes. Alternatively, there are double handed variants that work well with a single hole too.

Three Types Of Mounting Options

Deckplate Faucets

deckplate-kitchen-faucetDeckplate faucets use a single plate to mount everything on it starting from the handles, spouts to dispenser. The entire plate covers up all the holes along with any extra ones that might have been left out. Such kitchen faucets usually come as a single piece with a cover and some accessories but you cannot add any extra holes or remove few.

  • Best For – A seamless look, covering existing extra holes and a modernistic look.
  • Pros – Goes with any kind of kitchen sink other than those that require wall mounting. Easy to install.
  • Cons – Requires a flat surface on the sink to mount, Cannot adjust on a smaller sink unless it is a single handle deckplate.

Non-Deckplate Faucets

non-deckplate-kitchen-faucet

Deckplate faucets use a single plate to mount everything on it starting from the handles, spouts to dispenser. The entire plate covers up all the holes along with any extra ones that might have been left out. Such kitchen faucets usually come as a single piece with a cover and some accessories but you cannot add any extra holes or remove few.

  • Best For – A seamless look and for a classical finishing.
  • Pros – Individual components can be replaced when damaged without the need to replace existing parts, no requirement of a flat surface.
  • Cons – Harder to install, washers for individual openings will wear down regularly.

Wall Mounting Faucets

A wall mounting faucet doesn’t interact with the kitchen sink at all. In fact, it rests directly above the sink, accessing plumbing lines from within the walls. Such faucets are easier to clean, maintain. Plus, they help accommodate large pots and vessels in the sink. If you have sinks with no holes or an undermount sink then a wall mounting faucet is the best option.

  • Best For – Minimalistic look, keeping the sink clean and accommodating large pots.
  • Pros – Heighted presence helps in gaining much needed space around the sink, easy to clean and maintain.
  • Cons – Looks more like a bathroom shower accessory rather than a kitchen faucet.
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